NORTHPORT, Neb. (AP) – A 15-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 26 in the Nebraska Panhandle has been closed for repairs. Highway 26 is CLOSED from Northport (mile marker 62.37) to Broadwater (mile marker 76.45).

The Nebraska Roads Department says the highway is open for local traffic, but other travelers will be detoured to Nebraska Highway 92 and U.S. Highway 385.

Department engineer Doug Hoevet says soil under the pavement washed out on the approach to a bridge about five miles southeast of Northport.

The repair work is expected to be finished next week.